Library goers increase but not book lovers
Increasing number of young people visit these days libraries run by the government, despite apparent decline in the habit of reading books, according to users and authorities. Most of those seen in the libraries in recent times are actually candidates of Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) examinations, who use quiet atmosphere of the libraries for taking preparations.
The increased presence of readers at libraries is understood by the rise in membership application in recent years, library authorities told Prothom Alo. The National Library, for example, got 1,490 new members in 2017 compared to 804 in 2014. The library has added 682 members to its list in the first four months of 2018. This number is only applicable to those who become members payng membership fees. And the actual number of users is much higher, according to officials.
Those who are considered serious readers mainly go to libraries to read reference books and some rare collections including literature, history, politics, and biography. BCS candidates read mainly guide books. Some others come to libraries to read novels and some are seen reading only newspapers. "Every day two of our reading rooms are occupied by readers," director of Directorate of Archives and Libraries in Dhaka's Agargaon area, Nitai Pada Das told Prothom Alo. He said they have several hundred visitors everyday and the number of members of the library is on rise recently.
Some of those who go to other public libraries, said it is often difficult to find a seat in those libraries. “There was a time when I went to the Public Library [at Shahbagh] to spend some time reading books but I had to stop going there as I did not get any seat most of the time,” said Rezaul Karim, a researcher who is a regular user of public library. “In the evening, you will hardly find a seat at the public library.”
Most of these readers at the Public Library are actually BCS candidates, Rezaul said adding that there are, of course, some serious readers and researchers but their number is insignificant. Abdul Bari, a researcher who regularly uses Islamic Foundation public library at Baitul Mukarram mosque premises, told Prothom Alo that most of the visitors there are jobseekers, mainly BCS candidats, who go there to use the calm environment for preparation for examinations. “Sometimes you will find that some BCS examination guide books are on the table and the persons present are not reading any books of the library," he said and observed that number of serious readers and researchers at the libraries is also increasing.
The researcher, who works as a freelancer, has recommended that there should be a separate place in any public library for researchers and serious readers.
Abu Reza, a Master's degree holder, who is preparing for BCS examination, said he goes to library for BCS preparation as public libraries are relatively tranquil place to take serious preparations for examinations. "You will also get some reference books at the library and you can use them if you need any time. This is not possible if you take preparation at home," he said.
Reza thinks the presence of BCS examinees in public libraries does not create any problem for other readers. "These libraries used to remain barren unless some people go there -- What's wrong if they are jobseekers?" he said.